Building materials recycling

If you're planning a residential building or renovation project, think about how you can recycle your unwanted items.

For building materials that are in good condition or still in the package, consider donating them to Habitat for Humanity's ReStore.

For other used, unwanted or scrap items, residents can bring them to one of the Cedar Rapids/Linn County Solid Waste Agency's two locations.  Please check our Recycling Guide for specific items, but in general, we accept these building and renovation materials:

• Appliances - stoves, refrigerators, water heaters, washers and dryers and more. Slight fee applies.
• Household products - leftover paint, cleaners and more. Free for Linn County residents.
• Scrap metal - aluminum/metal siding, aluminum frame windows, chain link fencing, gutters, metal sheds and more. Free for Linn County residents.
• Shingles - ashphalt shingles from tear-offs and demolitions.
• Wood and wood products - beams, boards, cabinets, trim/moldings and more. Slight fee applies.

What happens after I drop off my residential building/renovation waste?

• Appliances are "demanufactured" or taken apart. Hazardous materials such as CFCs and mercury are removed and sent to a third-party for processing. Components such as metal, plastic, glass and oil are recycled.
• Household products that can be combined and reused are placed in our Swap Shop for Linn County residents to pick up free of charge. Products that cannot be reused are safely processed to remove hazardous elements. Any metals or plastics are recycled.
• Scrap metal is baled and sent to a third party for processing.
• Shingles are sent to a third-party processor for use as road material.
• Wood and wood products are recycled through our Wood Recovery Program.